Clear Creek defense attorney leading DA's race

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EAGLE, Colorado - A Clear Creek County defense attorney's second run for district attorney appeared to be successful at press time.

Democrat Bruce Brown was leading in three of the four counties in Colorado's Fifth Judicial District - Eagle, Summit and Clear Creek counties - with Lake County's results not expected until early Wednesday morning.

Brown was leading Republican Scott Turner, the current assistant District Attorney.

The two candidates were battling to replace outgoing District Attorney Mark Hurlbert, who is term limited.

Brown said he was happy to be leading late Tuesday night, but was reluctant to say he'd won. He's been down this road before.

In 2004 he was leading Hurlbert in Hurlbert's first campaign for the office, but narrowly lost. He said he got calls for months from friends and acquaintenances congratulating him.

"They should have stayed up for another hour," Brown said.

Still, he said he liked his chances and was beginning to talk like a winner.

"I want to congratulate Mr. Turner on a hard fought campaign," Brown said. "I know that going through such a tough campaign will make me a better district attorney," Brown said.

Victims' rights will be his first priority, Brown said.

"The victim's voice will be heard from the beginning of the case because that will be the primary focus of the DA's office," Brown said.

Brown thanked his supporters in Eagle County.

"I want to extend my appreciation to the people of Eagle County who recognized we can do better in our court system, and that will be our number one priority," Brown said.